The Senate Committee has been moving around the country. From
news reports it sat in Brisbane on wednesday, and Darwin on
thursday. Today (friday) it should be in Perth where the West
Australian government has just extinguished native title by
its Land (Titles and Traditional Usage) Bill.
Paul Coe is reported as telling the committee in Brisbane that
the Bill was 'fundamentally flawed' although the report did
not elaborate on what that flaw was. Several Aboriginal groups
informed the committee that the Aboriginal negotiators did not
represent them. Mining industry representatives also sought
amendments to the Bill.
In Darwin the Director of the Northern Land Council and one of
the negotiators predicted civil unrest if the Bill did not go
through. When questioned about the issue of representation he
replied that he represented the Northern Land Council.
Charles Perkins has once again called for more time to allow
for debate, to talk the thing through.
It would be of real interest to learn more from these
hearings. Presumably the committee will report to the Senate
next week when the Native Title Bill is to be debated
(December 7?). But what will they leave out?
The political context will be different next week.
In an act of naked bastardry which defies words, the West
Australian government has now passed its Land (Titles and
Traditional Usage) Bill which unilaterally extinguishes native
title. Experts say that First Peoples will receive a couple
of hundred dollars (each!) for the loss of their mineral rich
lands. Exit any suggestion of respectability in Western
Australia once the Governor provides assent to make this Bill
law.
ATSIC elections take place on saturday. There may be some
confusion in some electorates regarding clear outcomes if past
performance is a reliable guide. However, some new talent may
arrive on the scene at this vital time.